Gretel Rewritten: Deconstructing Gender in Niamh Murphy‟s Gretel: A Fairy Tale Retold

Abstract

This study explores the reversal of traditional gender roles and the re imagining of female positionality in Gretel: A Fairy Tale Retold by Niamh Murphy. By analyzing Murphy’s retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, this research examines how the portrayal of women challenges conventional gender norms and archetypes found in traditional folklore. In contrast to the passive, dependent role of Gretel in the original version, Murphy's Gretel is an active, empowered character who takes charge of her own destiny, demonstrating agency and independence. The study applies Judith Butler's feminist theory, particularly her concept of gender performativity, to argue that gender identity is socially constructed and can be reshaped through the performance of actions. Through textual analysis, this paper investigates how the characters' actions in Murphy’s retelling defy traditional gender expectations, offering a subversion of power dynamics typically associated with female roles in fairy tales. Additionally, the study compares the representation of women in both the original and retold versions, highlighting the transformation of Gretel’s character from a passive figure into a strong, resourceful protagonist. Ultimately, this research illustrates how Gretel: A Fairy Tale Retold challenges gendered representations, offering a modern perspective on the possibilities for women’s agency within societal narratives. Keywords: Gretel, reversed positionality, new woman, breaking the archetypes,